Ekweremadu’s Trial: Why Buhari Govt Won’t Interfere – Malami

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has said the Muhammadu Buhari-led government would not interfere in the legal battle involving a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

Ekweremadu is facing trial in the United Kingdom for alleged conspiracy to facilitate the travel of another person for organ harvesting.

UK prosecutors accused the former Deputy Senate President of planning to have the kidney of a 21-year-old man removed so it could be given to their ailing daughter.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, AGF Malami said Nigeria would only provide legal assistance if sought by Ekweremadu.

“And if the request is made, we’ll look at its merits,” he said.

The Minister added, “It has never been the tradition of the Nigerian government to interfere in anything judicial, local or international. And that stands the position of the government.

“On the intervention of Senator Ekweremadu, I have stated in the course of my presentation, that there has been in existence, a mutual legal assistance request and collaboration between Nigeria and other countries across the world. We will address it if there is such a request on the part of the senator.”

Malami recalled a request passed through his office and meant for delivery to the Crime Agency in the UK at the instance of Senator Ekweremadu.

However, Malami said he could not comment on the document because it was sealed and only passed through his office.

“In view of the fact that, the transmission of international documents is a function of a department central authority unit in the Office of the Attorney General and on the request of Senator Ekweremadu, an agency of government was asked to respond to certain inquiries, they did, and under seal, they presented their default which was transmitted to UK accordingly.

“So the implication of what I’m trying to state in essence is we have mutual legal assistance, understanding with the UK, and whichever of the agencies, either the Senator as an accused or suspect indeed the agencies in the UK, make any request for international support we will respond accordingly,” he said.